The H1N1 vaccine became available to the American public in early October 2009. According to the CDC, side effects of the H1N1 vaccination can include soreness where the injection was given, headaches, muscle aches, fever and nausea. In adolescents there were reports of fainting as a side effect. In rare cases, an allergic reaction can occur.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm According to WebMD, between 10% and 15% of those who receive the vaccine reported feeling tired or having a headache.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm
Following the release of the vaccine in October 2009, there were rumors that the vaccine was dangerous and others expressed concerns over how quickly the vaccine was made available to the public. The CDC and FDA said the vaccine showed a "similar safety profile" to the standard seasonal flu vaccine".http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htmhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/29/h1n1-vaccine-dangers-fact_n_338735.html
In 1976, vaccines against a different form of swine flu were linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, rare condition that can cause paralysis.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33190473/ns/health-swine_flu/
People who are allergic to eggs cannot take the H1N1 vaccine because the vaccine was originally developed in eggs. People who are desensitized to their egg allergy should consult with their doctor about whether the risks outweigh the benefits of receiving the vaccine or visa-versa.http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/1223860.html
Who Should Receive the Vaccines
The CDC recommends that pregnant women, caregivers of infants, and emergency health service providers (like EMTs) receive the vaccinations. Children and young adults up to the age of 24 years old are advised to get the vaccine followed by adults with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions between the ages of 25 and 64.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm
H1N1 Vaccine Information
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Trials for the H1N1 vaccine began in the U.S. in August 2009
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Fact:
Two studies linked the swine flu vaccination with Guillain-Barre syndrome
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Fact:
Estimates of getting GBS from a swine flu vaccine is 1 in a million
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Fact:
Common side effects of the H1N1 vaccine include redness or swelling at injection site, headaches, fainting (mostly in adolescents) muscle aches, fever and nausea
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Fact:
On October 6, 2009, the WHO reported that four out of 39,000 people who received the swine flu vaccine in China had complained of minor symptoms including muscle cramps and headacheshttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33190473/ns/health-swine_flu/
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Fact:
In the case of an allergic or adverse reaction, doctors should file a "Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)" form
